Diglot Edition of Indian Constitution in MM released
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, November 28 2023: Chief Minister N Biren Singh released the Diglot Edition of Constitution of India in Manipuri Language (Meetei Mayek script) as a part of Constitution Day celebration held at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, here, on November 26 .

He also informed that efforts are underway to sign peace accord with valley-based insurgent groups of Manipur.

The Constitution Day is celebrated across the country on November 26 every year to commemorate the adoption of Constitution of India on the said date in 1949 by the Constituent Assembly, and later came into effect from January 26, 1950 .

Speaking on the occasion, CM N Biren expressed that the release of the Diglot Edition of Constitution of India in Manipuri Language (Meetei Mayek) is a historic moment for the people of Manipur.

He stated that the Indian Constitution is the world's longest written constitution, adding that it is admired across the world for its broadness, inclusiveness and tolerance.

He further elaborated that the Constitution includes Directives Principles, Fundamental Duties and Rights of people and also the political structures of government Institutions among others.

The CM continued that the specialty of the Diglot Edition is the inclusion of Constitutional Amendments till the 105th Amendment.

The Manipur Official Language Act, 1979 was amended in 2021 and enforced on March 4 the same year.

He then appreciated the officials of the Law Department and other people concerned for their contribution in translating the Con stitution into Meetei Mayek.

Biren further appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central leaders for their far-sighted vision and special concern towards Manipur and its people.

If such vision had existed at the time of merger, Manipur would be in a whole different scene and even the insurgency problem may not have come about.

Nonetheless, efforts are underway to sign a peace accord with the various valley-based insurgent groups of Manipur, he informed.

He then mentioned the honour and respects the central leaders have towards the people of Manipur, recalling the implementation of Inner Line Permit System (ILPS), renaming of Mount Harriet in Andaman as Mount Manipur and repealing of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) under the leadership of the PM.

The central government, recognising the bravery of our forefathers, has named the third ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy as INS Imphal, he added.

Stating the PM and other central leaders have done much for the people of Manipur, the CM expressed the need for the people to reciprocate the honour and respect given by the former.

He further sought the support of the people in making Manipur march on towards the path of peace and development.

During the programme, the CM distributed certificates of appreciation to officers and transcribers/translators for their contribution in coming up with the translated edition.

He also led the attendees in taking a pledge of the Preamble of the Constitution of India in Manipuri language.

Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, IPR minister Dr Sapam Ranjan, Law and Legislative Affairs minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar, Social Welfare minister Heikham Dingo, Manipur Pollution Control Board chairman Dr Usham Deben, Moirang AC MLA Thongam Shanti, Wangkhei AC MLA Thangjam Arunkumar, chief secretary Dr Vineet Joshi and senior government officials also attended the programme among others.

The Law and Legislative Affairs department also observed Constitution Day, also known as 'Samvidhan Divas', at the Public Theatre Hall in Nambol Phoijing, Bishnupur on Sunday.

Speaking at the function as chief guest, minister Th Basanta informed that the Constitution of India is for all seasons and aspects including development of schedule castes, schedule tribes, etc., and can only be amended when required.

He emphasised that awareness about the fundamental duties is a must for the public as development can be brought only when one understands one's duty.

Informing that the government, in consultation with the Law Department, has made a draft named, 'Prevention of Bandhs/Blockades in National Highways, 2023' to prevent imposition of frequent bandhs and blockades on national highways; the education minister said that under this, stern action may be taken against those organisations/groups that are associated with such activities accordingly.

In addition, the state government has enacted an Act to avoid leakage of questions papers and use of unfair means during examinations, he stated.

Presided over by Law commissioner Nungshitombi Athokpam, the observance was attended by Manipur High Court retired judge Kh Nobin Singh and All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) president P Tomcha Meetei as guests of honour.

Law deputy secretary Suzanne Thingbaijam, advocate Koijam Brojen Singh, Law Department officials and staff, and locals of Nambol also attended the function.

Meanwhile, the Legal Department of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) observed the 58th National Law Day at Congress Bhawan, here, on Sunday.

The observance was attended by MPCC president K Meghachandra, CLP leader O Ibobi, AICC CWC member Gaikhangam and MPCC Legal Department chairman S Shyamcharan Singh as presidium members.

In his speech, O Ibobi recounted how the Constitution came into being.

He then suggested for both the ruling and opposition MLAs to observe the day together as done in other states.

The High Court Legal Services Committee in collaboration with Bar Council of Manipur and High Court Bar Association, Manipur also observed the Constitution Day 2023 at the auditorium of Manipur High Court.

The observance was attended by Manipur High Court Justice A Guneshwar Sharma, Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui, Bar Council of Manipur chairman S Prajabihari Singh, High Court Bar Association president Y Nimolchand Singh and AMBA vice president N Manikanta, along with officials of Bar Council, High Court Bar Association members, judicial officers and High Court registry officers.

As part of the observance, Justice A Guneshwar Sharma led the gathering in reading the Preamble, followed by distribution of appreciation certificates to pro-bono advocates of High Court Legal Services and panel lawyers.

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